I am thinking of buying an older (1985) Honda Accord. The seller says it has a bad head gasket. How much will it cost to replace and is it something I can do myself? I am somewhat handy and can follow step by step instructions. If this is a 60 to 90 minute fix I may do it myself. Otherwise, how much should a shop charge?
2007-09-05 05:23:03 · 6 answers · asked by David L 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
First off a head gasket replacement is definitely not a 60-90 minute replacement.
If you're good with cars maybe a 6-8hr job assuming the heads aren't warped or damaged.
If the heads are warped, you have gotten coolant mixed with oil, etc there could be other hidden problems if the car was run for any duration which caused it to overheat. Since the heads are off, it may be a good time to get them inspected and determine if a head job is necessary.
A head gasket replacement will typically run between $800-$1200, but this is assuming the rest of the engine is in good working order.
If not, you'll be shelling out $2000+ for a new engine.
If you've got the time and money, it probably would make a nice project car to learn on, but not one that I would buy for primary usage until it was properly repaired.
2007-09-05 05:31:42 · answer #1 · answered by hsueh010 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Depending on how much they have to pull off the motor to get to the head, it usually runs about $400 to $700.
Just being handy will not a head gasket replace. If you've never done major car repair, now isn't the time to try your hand at the head gasket.
By the way, it will usually take anywhere from 4 hours to an entire day, and that's with someone who knows what they're doing.
2007-09-05 06:42:50 · answer #2 · answered by Goyo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are looking at removing the exhaust line, intake, fuel line, timing belt. Then carefully undo the head bolt and lift the entire head. Send to a machine shop for testing, and reassemble everything back in place. Total would run around 10 hours of labor. Machines shop have to process the head, and possible rebuild it. Testing will run about $50, and if the head requires rebuilding, it will run around $300.
Mechanic would charge about $1500 for this service and there are good reason for it (because it it real pain in the butt). I doubt that you have the ability to do this on your own. I can do this work on my own, and I would think twice about doing this job on 85 Honda Accord because car would not be worth much even after the repair.
2007-09-05 10:17:37 · answer #3 · answered by Sang K 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
This is a job that typically is about $70 in parts and $1100 in labor. A blown head gasket goes hand in hand with an overheated engine. So, it's possible that it will require machining or heat treatment if it's really warped.
It's not a 60 - 90 minute fix.
2007-09-05 05:37:39 · answer #4 · answered by Bobbi O 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
this is not a 90 min fix as you have to remove the read and all that attaches to it plus you will need to have the head checked to see that it is not warped and if it is it will have to be milled to make if perfectly flat. also while it is off it is a good idea to have the valves checked and if necessary have a valve job. A shop will charge you about $400 to have done but best to call around for a few estimates.
2007-09-05 05:34:30 · answer #5 · answered by gary o 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your looking at least 800 dollars to fix that
2007-09-05 07:09:44 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋